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The Westin St. Francis Won't Let Guests Touch Dirty Money

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 335 Powell St. [map], San Francisco, CA, United States, 94102
January 4, 2011 at 1:36 PM | by | Comments (0)

Germaphobes will like dropping coin at the Westin St. Francis. That's because the San Francisco hotel washes all of the coins it takes in so you won't have to touch grimy, dirty change.

Yep, the Union Square hotel scrubs every penny, dime, nickel and quarter with soap and water to make 'em spic and span before handing it over to guests.

The hotel has been washing spare change for the past 72 years. Back in the day, it was a common practice since coins were used more than dollars. The Westin St. Francis started the traditions in 1938 when a lady's pristine white gloves were soiled from dirty money. Scandalous.

Coin-washing used to be a full-time job back then. Now, the hotel spends 10 hours a week keeping the coins shiny. It seems like a crazy throwback endeavor, but it's definitely a unique kind of service that makes the hotel stand out a bit.

Know of any other hotels with unusual practices such as money laundering, er, washing? Tell us who!

[Photo: Westin St. Francis' Facebook]

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